Rotherham United: Boss Neil Redfearn’s Millers warning

Paul Davis

Manager Neil Redfearn has warned there is no quick fix as he looks to lead Rotherham United away from the Championship drop zone.

The Millers are second from bottom, and Redfearn, who was appointed boss earlier this month, is looking to spark a revival by strengthening his squad with loan signings.

Joe Newell

“It’s not going to happen overnight, that’s obvious,” he said. “But what we need to do is keeping pecking away at it. We need to pick points up when we can.”

Rotherham have only a point to show from the 50-year-old’s first three games in charge, when they were hit by injuries, but could have midfielders Joe Newell and Lee Frecklington, attacker Danny Ward and left-back Joe Mattock fit again for Saturday’s trip to Derby County.

Redfearn’s first week of competitive action saw his side play three times in six days, against Brentford, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday, but they have been able to focus on training since last Friday’s home derby against the Owls

“I think we’re glad of the chance to settle things down,” said goalkeeper Lee Camp. “It’s always difficult. You know, coming into it, what to expect. We’ve all been there before and at some point had such quickfire games.

“The problem is, you play, you recover, you play, and you can’t always get on the training ground and do as much as you would like, which is unfortunate. Some players need a bit longer recovery, some players have injuries. We’ve got to do some work on the training ground to prepare properly for Saturday, which will be another tough test at Derby.

Camp, an experienced Championship campaigner, believes the Millers can pull away from the relegation places.

“Nothing is won or lost in the fourth week of October,” he said, “I’ve been in this position before. I’ve been a a position a lot worse than this and we came out of it okay. We keep working, we stick together and we all pull in the right direction to move the club forward.”

Meanwhile, Rotherham say they have allowed Jerry Yates to join non-league Harrogate Town on loan because the 18-year-old needs more competitive action.

The young striker made one fleeting first-team appearance last term, at Birmingham City, but hasn’t featured this season.

Redfearn said: “Jerry’s at that point now where he needs games and I think what this opportunity offers him is some game-time at a well-run club

“It gives us chance to get out and have a look at him in this sort of environment. It’s a good chance for him to go out and continue his development.”